On Tuesday, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) directed the 36 states and the FCT pilgrims boards to remit a reasonable percentage of funds to secure the Hajj slots allocated to them.

The directive is contained in a letter addressed to chief executives of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, agencies and commission by the NAHCON’s director of finance and accounts, Salihu Usman.

Mr Usman stated that the call became necessary in view of the timeline issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

He explained that the timeline makes it mandatory for every Hajj Mission who intends to participate in the 2024 Hajj to remit their money before a certain period.

According to him, failure to comply with the directive will be interpreted as being unprepared or not interested in participating in the 2024 hajj.

He further stated that non-compliance with the directive would leave the commission with no alternative or option but to reduce the allocation of such state.

This, according to him, will enable the commission to allot more slots to states that have completed their remittances and are in need of more slots.

He pointed out that it was important that the commission’s IBAN account remained adequately funded by December.

“This will ensure that the commission makes payment to undertake or process some activities in the kingdom.”

Mr Usman, therefore, called for continued cooperation and understanding by the states in order to collectively work towards meeting the deadline to ensure a hitch-free 2024 hajj.

(NAN)